China PMI December 2016

China: Growth momentum in manufacturing PMI softens in December

January 1, 2017

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell from November’s over two-year high of 51.7% to 51.4% in December, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), which publish the index. While the reading slightly undershot the 51.5% that market analysts had expected, it rests comfortably above the 50% threshold that separates expansion from contraction in the manufacturing sector.

December’s reading reflected a deterioration in production, inventories and employment prospects. Conversely, the suppliers’ delivery time category improved in December after falling to a nearly four-year low in November, while new orders were stable. Input prices—a reliable leading indicator for producer prices—continued their upward race and hit the highest point since early 2011, signaling tighter supply conditions and suggesting that overall inflationary pressures are on the rise. Despite receding slightly, new exports remained in expansionary territory in December.

Sample Report

China PMI Chart

Note: Purchasing Managers’ Index. Readings above 50% indicate an expansion in the manufacturing sector while readings below 50% indicate a contraction.Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).

Newsletter Subscription

Never miss out on our latest data, analysis and industry events.

China Economic News

House prices in 70 large- and medium-sized cities rose 0.2% in August from the previous month, according to a weighted average index calculated by Thomson Reuters from data issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).